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Wills and Probate Records


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Search free Wills and Probate Records online for your genealogy research.

Understanding the processes involved in wills and probate is important for anyone managing a loved one's estate or planning their own.

This page provides information on accessing wills and probate records in Pennsylvania. These records are vital resources for both legal professionals and genealogists, offering insights into estate distribution, family relationships, and historical context.


What are wills and probate records?

  • Wills: Legal documents detailing a person's wishes for the distribution of their assets after death.
  • Probate: The legal process of validating a will (if one exists) and overseeing the administration of an estate (including paying debts and distributing assets).

Probate records relate to a deceased person’s estate. The estate is either “testate” (through a will) or “intestate” (without a will).

Wills and probate records include last wills and testaments, guardianships, bonds, petitions, accounts, estate inventories, estate administrations, executor and administration oaths, administrator bonds, trusts, orders, depositions, decrees, distributions, and inheritance tax records.


Why are probate records public?

Probate records are generally public to ensure transparency in the distribution of assets and settlement of debts. This public access helps prevent fraud, allows creditors to make claims, and enables beneficiaries to monitor the estate's administration.


Why are these records important?

Genealogy:

  • Reveal family relationships, including spouses, children, and other relatives.
  • May provide maiden names and geographical origins.
  • Act as substitutes for vital records (birth and death certificates).
  • Offer glimpses into an ancestor's financial status and possessions.
  • Can reveal fascinating details about ancestors' occupations and personal lives.
  • May show family disputes over inheritance, providing insights into family dynamics.

Legal Research:

  • Provide historical context for legal issues related to property and inheritance.
  • Can be used to trace property ownership and verify wills.

Legal Disclaimer: While we will provide information, it's crucial to clarify that it's not legal advice and recommend consulting with an estate attorney for specific situations.


Wills and Probate Records by State


Wills and Probate Books for Sale

American Wills and Administrations

in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1610-1857

Author: Coldham, Peter Wilson
Publication Date: 1989
Pages: 416 pp.

Buy The Book


American Wills Proved in London, 1611-1775

Author: Coldham, Peter Wilson
Publication Date: 1992
Pages: 360 pp.
ISBN: 9780806313634

Buy The Book


English Estates of American Colonists

American Wills and Administrations in the Prerogative Court of Canterbury, 1610-1699

Author: Coldham, Peter Wilson
Publication Date: 1980
Reprint Date: 1983
Pages: 78 pp.

Buy The Book


English Estates of American Settlers

American Wills and Administrations in the Prereogative Court of Canterbury, 1800-1858

Author: Coldham, Peter Wilson
Publication Date: 1981
Pages: 103 pp.
ISBN: 9780806309361

Buy The Book


Scottish-American Heirs, 1683-1883

Author: Dobson, David
Publication Date: 1990
Reprint Date: 1992
Pages: 165 pp.
ISBN: 9780806312781

Buy The Book


Scottish-American Wills, 1650-1900

Author: Dobson, David
Publication Date: 1991
Pages: 137 pp.
ISBN: 9780806312965

Buy The Book



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